I honestly don't even know where to start.
I became a patient in October and was working with a student named Juan. Juan was heaven-sent--I truly learned so much from him, and he really became like family to me. Unfortunately, Juan left, so I reached out to the clinic for a new therapist. When I tell you they dropped the ball, imagine fumbling during the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl with 15 seconds on the clock in a tied game. That's exactly how bad it was.
I called and made appointments, but they literally wouldn't call me back. I tried again, and Jackie left me on hold for 10 minutes, mind you, this was 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment time. So I called again and spoke with Letty (I think she's a manager or something higher up). I explained the situation to her, and she tells me that I "no-showed." Excuse me? I was mind-blown. I told her that I had called multiple times and that Jackie would just put me on hold and leave me there. She apologized and said they were having "technical issues." My mind was screaming, That's a lie! but my body was telling me to just let it go. She convinced me to give Melina another chance.
So, I did. And remember, I had already been stood up like a bad first date three separate times. Finally, I meet with Melina. She seemed nice, but honestly, it felt like I hadn't learned my lesson from the last few times she ditched me because sure enough, the following week she left me hanging again like a bad habit.
I called and spoke with Jackie, and per usual, she gave me a nasty attitude like I had just personally insulted her best friend.
Since my mental health comes first, I sucked it up and agreed to see yet another therapist. She didn't know how to work the Zoom link, so I agreed to do it over the phone. She was an older lady, very kind, but she kept asking me the same questions over and over. Still, I liked her because she prayed with me at the end. I figured I'd give her another shot and see how I felt after the second session.
But then I get a call from Jackie the evening before my scheduled appointment, letting me know that the lady was no longer with the company. She asked if I'd like to see a student instead. I kindly said, "No thank you, I'll find a new clinic." Jackie's response? "PERFECT."
I'm not sure what Jackie's issue is; whether it's me, her job, or simply the fact that she doesn't like being held accountable. But regardless, that is absolutely not how you treat people. I'm sad that they wasted my time, but I'm thankful I'm not someone in a crisis, someone who desperately needs therapy due to harmful thoughts, feelings, or actions.
This is absolutely not how you treat patients, especially when you're a mental health "solutions" clinic. Do better.
And Jackie, find a new career, babe. Because this isn't it! read more